Howard, 90, passed away peacefully at home following a valiant 3-year battle with cancer. Born in Antigo, Wisconsin to Otto and Ella Knop, Howard was the eldest of two boys, enjoying life in Wisconsin until his 1952 graduation from Stout State College (UW) with a BA in Industrial Education. A Navy enlistment ensued and 2 years later Howard reported to NAS Miramar as the Maintenance Officer for VF-54. Life in San Diego agreed with him and once he met Joan, the love of his life, the decision to retire his snow shovel was a done deal! After completing 3 years active duty, he remained a Reserve Officer, retiring from the Navy after 22 years of service as a commander in 1974.
Following his passion for Industrial Arts, he obtained his Master’s and became a Wood & Metal Shop, Drafting and Math teacher at the Junior High level, the majority of his career at Taft Junior High.
“Mr. Woodshop” was happiest when his students were totally engaged as “project based learning” was always a reality in his classroom. The San Diego Union Tribune’s annual Model Boat Regatta was an event that he enjoyed as much as his students did! Howard taught for 33 years, retiring from the San Diego Unified School District in 1991.
As a retiree, Howard’s days were full. He was a passionate and talented fly-fisherman. A sports fan, Howard retained cheering rights to the Green Bay Packers, but was a true fan of the Chargers (San Diego that is) and Padres, thoroughly enjoying their 2020 run to the playoffs. Pro sports, however, took a back seat to his granddaughters’ sporting events which he attended as frequently as possible. A generous volunteer, Howard worked with the ESL reading program at Clairemont Lutheran Church, ushered at the Old Globe and other venues, and helped out at the Natural History Museum for many years. He loved to travel, garden, BBQ and spend time with family and friends.
Howard was revered for his warmth and kindness to all as well as his unwavering commitment to his faith, family and friends. His calm demeanor, upbeat and humorous outlook on life and incredible patience endeared him to all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Howard is survived by Joan, his wife of 63 years, his children Lisa Ruiz (Everett), Karla Roddy, Kurt Knop (Paula), seven granddaughters, one grandson-in-law, five great-grandchildren, sister-in-law, nephew and many relatives.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Howard’s wonderful caregivers. Their loving care and support during the last years of Howard’s life were a tremendous blessing.
Words cannot express the sadness and great loss felt by his passing. Knowing he is enjoying eternal peace with our Lord and Heavenly Father is comforting.
A Celebration of Eternal Life will be held at Clairemont Lutheran Church on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 at 11:30 am, PST. Due to restrictions related to the pandemic, limited seating is available. In order to attend, please phone the church at (858) 273-7423 to reserve your seat. All in attendance must: be free of cold symptoms and a fever, socially distance, wear a face covering throughout the service and follow all guidance from church officials.
For those unable to attend, the service will be live streamed on Clairemont Lutheran Church’s YouTube channel. Please go to clairemontlc.org and select the link to worship live stream.
A private Committal Service will take place at Miramar National Cemetery.
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